remission

noun

re·​mis·​sion ri-ˈmi-shən 

1

: the act or process of remitting

2

: a state or period during which something is remitted

Synonyms

• absolution
• amnesty
• forgiveness
• pardon
• remittal

Examples of remission in a Sentence

The patient is in remission.

a temporary remission of symptoms

He was given remission for good behavior.

Recent Examples on the Web

Several guidelines say that for somebody’s first episode of depression, four to nine months of remission is long enough to consider weaning off medication. —Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 2 May 2025

The carmakers did not immediately respond regarding the Canadian remission process. —Michael Wayland, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025

Celebrate good days: Acknowledge and enjoy periods of remission together. —Robert Burakoff, Health, 4 Apr. 2025

Notably, Francis was unable to attend the Catholic Church’s jubilee celebration, a tradition dedicated to the remission of sins that occurs every 50 years, also known as the Holy Year. —Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 22 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English remissioun "release from obligation, forgiveness," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French remissiun, borrowed from Latin remissiōn-, remissiō "sending back, release, abatement, cancellation (of a debt)" (Late Latin, "forgiveness, as of sins"), from remittere "to send back, release, relax, waive (a debt, punishment)" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at remit entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing remission

• go into remission
• in remission

Rhymes for remission

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• cognition
• coition
• commission
• condition
• contrition
• dentition

Kids Definition

remission

noun

re·​mis·​sion ri-ˈmish-ən 

1

: the act or process of remitting

2

: a state or period during which something is remitted

Medical Definition

remission

noun

re·​mis·​sion ri-ˈmish-ən 

: a state or period during which the symptoms of a disease are abated

cancer in remission after treatment

compare arrest, cure entry 1 sense 1, intermission

Legal Definition

remission

noun

re·​mis·​sion ri-ˈmi-shən 

: the act or process of remitting